Organising A Race
Although Concept 2 has a pool of loan machines available we don't actually get involved in the organising of any indoor rowing races (except the British Championship). That means it's down to you...
- How many Indoor Rowers will I need?
- What about advertising and PR?
- Then there's the administration.
- How do I deal with the entries?
- Prizes?
- Is there anything else I should consider?
- This depends on the number of entries expected and how long you want the event to last.
For a 2,000m race, heats should be spaced 15 min. apart. Here are some scenarios:
- 50 people, with 4 Indoor Rowers - 13 heats = 3 hours 15 min.
- 50 people, with 6 Indoor Rowers - 9 heats = 2 hours 15 min.
- 100 people, with 4 Indoor Rowers - 17 heats = 4 hours 15 min.
- 100 people, with 6 Indoor Rowers - 13 heats = 3 hours 15 min.
You could contact other clubs to borrow their rowers, and invite them to race. Call Concept 2 to see if any our loan machines are available - book in writing and well in advance as we only have a limited number. Don't forget you'll need at least a few extra for warm up.
- This could range from a simple poster at your club to articles in local papers - depending on whether or not the event is open to the public. If it is maybe you could challenge a local celebrity to join in, invite local radio and TV stations or have a special event for local schools etc. Remember to send us your race results and photos for inclusion in the Concept Ranking and Concept Culture magazine.
- You'll need extra people to help with registration, recording scores, determining winners and starting each race. Ideally, you should plan on one volunteer/adjudicator for each Indoor Rower - on each machine they'll need to preset the race distance before each race and record the time rowed after each race.
- Design a simple, easy to complete, Entry Form and make it available well in advance. Include the following:
- Each competitor's mailing address for results and the mailing list for next year's event.
- A liability waiver releasing the race organisers from the responsibility for accident or injury which is standard on entries for most athletic events.
- Age, gender, weight, class and anything else you think is necessary.
- The event they are entering. The standard distance is 2,000m but you may wish to include others; such as relay events as well as individual, shorter events for kids, team point competitions etc. It is standard to charge an entry fee to cover running costs of an event.
- Don't forget that you'll need to provide prizes; anything from a ribbon or trophy to a mug or T-shirt or a 3 month club membership.
- Refreshments - you may be able to get a local supplier of beverages, sandwiches, ice cream etc. to give you a good deal or even a donation for refreshments.
T-shirts - you can include the price of them in the entry fee and give one to all competitors or you can sell them separately.